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Friday, June 30, 2006

Radio Slovakia International (RSI) closed down its shortwave service today. On the final edition of the English-language programme Slovakia Today, presenter Pete Miller, said: “The sad news is that this is the last broadcast from Radio Slovakia International on shortwave from Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, and right in the heart of Europe. We will of course continue via satellite on the World Radio Network, and we’ll also be available on the Internet.” He continues:“Well, in spite of all the hard work put in by many, this is our last broadcast on shortwave. I realise that some broadcasters have realised the folly of this policy, and have gone back to shortwave. I just hope that the light will dawn on the movers and shakers here in Slovakia. Today, therefore, is a special programme. For, as well as leaving shortwave, a number of our presenters are also leaving for pastures new. There has been, to use the common jargon, a measure of downsizing as far as the staff here are concerned.”Miller explains that in future, there will be just two full-time staff for the English section, assisted by two part-timers. After explaining the schedule of RSI via the World Radio Network, the rest of the programme features the departing presenters talking a little about themselves and saying goodbye to the listeners.The MP3 file of the broadcast (dated 30 June) can be downloaded or streamed from the links on this page www.slovakradio.sk/inetportal/rsi/core.php?lang=2. (Source: Radio Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Dutch Internet radio station Radio Mi Amigo 192 is about to embark on what it claims will be the longest Hit Parade ever broadcast. The top 10,000 will be aired every day starting on Saturday 1 July from 0700-2000 UTC, and will last for two full months. The chart consists of music of the past 50 years from the Netherlands, Belgium, USA and Britain. Program Director Hendrik van Nellestijn says the station hopes to get an official entry in the Guinness Book of Records when the broadcast is completed on 31 August. The Hit Parade will be presented by a team of more than 20 DJ’s who previously broadcast on the offshore stations Radio Mi Amigo and Radio Caroline. To learn more about the station and the upcoming record breaker, check www.radio-miamigo.nl/(Source: Radio Netherlands-Media Network Weblog)

London-based SW Radio Africa says that it believes the Zimbabwean government is interfering with its medium wave broadcasts. SWRA says it has no official confirmation yet, but reports on the ground clearly indicate the jamming of its medium wave signal. One report said: “I checked for your programming this morning Monday 27 June at 5am local and exactly on the frequency of 1197 kHz there is an extremely strong ‘buzzing’ signal, which is intentional jamming.” Additional reports say the jamming signal is very strong, indicating that the jamming station is nearby or within Harare.The Website Zimonline reported on Monday that the Zimbabwe government is using technology acquired from China to partially jam the signal from the VOA Studio 7 service. VOA have not officially confirmed this.SW Radio Africa says “These latest jamming attempts are not all bad news. It does show that the government is feeling seriously pressured. Good news for those trying to create a democratic society in Zimbabwe. We encourage our listeners to keep trying to find us on the radio dial. In various parts of the country we can still be clearly heard and we will obviously be doing our best to counteract the jamming.”(Source: SW Radio Africa/Radio Netherlands-Media Network Weblog)

Shiokaze (Sea Breeze), clandestine radio station aimed at missing Japanese citizens, believed to have been abducted and held in North Korea has recently changed its shortwave schedule. Shiokaze [Sea Breeze] radio now broadcasts as follows: Times UTC1030-1100 - Sunday & Wednesday 9855 kHz in Korean English (Monday and Thursday) Japanese (Tuesday and Friday) Chinese (Saturday) 2030-2100 daily - 9785 kHz in Japanese

Shiokaze broadcasts on a hired shortwave transmitter, currently believed to be located in Taiwan. Programs are produced by the Investigation Commission on Missing Japanese Probably Related to North Korea [COMJAN], a Tokyo-based organization with a website at www.chosa-kai.jp(Source: BBC Monitoring research, 1350 UTC, 27 Jun 06/Radio Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Radio Prague has a contest, that may interest DXers but don't delay! Here's the question:

"Two dozen countries of the world use dollars as their national currencies, with the United States dollar being the world's most widely circulated currency. But not all of those who use dollars may be aware that there is a connection between the dollar and the Czech Republic. What is the connection?"

Please send us you suggestions by Friday, June 30th to: Radio Prague, 12099, Prague or english@radio.cz. We'll be looking forward to your answers.

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

From DX Window, comes word that RTA Algeria, in Arabic, has been reported as active again on shortwave radio. RTA has been broadcasting via VT Communications from June 12, using the Rampisham site at 500 kW 190 degrees, and the Woofferton site at 300 kW 160 degrees. The schedule is active as:All times are UTC0400-0600 7260 Rampisham, 9540 Woofferton.1900-2000 9765 Rampisham, 11810 Woofferton.2000-2100 9765 Rampisham, 12025 Woofferton.2100-2300 7150 Rampisham, 9710 Woofferton. (Bueschel in Dxplorer, Jun 15)

Montenegro, effective June 28, becomes a new DXCC entity for amateur radio operators to contact. The latest country to join the UN was Timor-Leste, which became the 191st UN Member State on 27th September 2002. The new country, plans a DXpedition from July 20-Aug 12, and will be on all HF bands/modes.

The United Nations web site and the Associated Press reported the U.N. Security Council unanimously recommended Thursday, June 22nd, that the newly independent Balkan nation of Montenegro become the 192nd member of the United Nations. The General Assembly is expected to approve the council recommendation on June 28th. (Source: Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 764)

B1/B3/B4/B7, CHINA. The Chinese Radio Sports Association (CRSA) HQ stations will be on air during the 2006 IARU HF Word Championship, July 8-9th. There were four different special callsigns assigned by CRSA to be active on 160-10 meters. Look for B1HQ (B1Z), B3HQ (B3C), B4HQ (B4R) and B7HQ (B7P). QSL all four callsigns via BA4EG. The CRSA will issue four awards to encourage QSOs with CRSA HQ stations. The following Web link provides more information about the CRSA activity, and awards eligibility and application process (includes application forms): English Version operation announcement: www.crsa.org/2006_BnHQ/e.htmChinese Version operation announcement: www.crsa.org/2006_BnHQ/c.htm For CRSA HQ Award application form download (Basic award and Extra award): www.crsa.org/2006_BnHQ/form1.doc For CRSA HQ SWL Award application form download: www.crsa.org/2006_BnHQ/form2.doc

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

The BBC has launched The Editors, a new blog written by editors from across the range of BBC News outlets - TV, radio and interactive - about their issues, dilemmas, and highs (and lows) they face in doing their jobs. Helen Boaden, Director of BBC News, writes:

“From Newsround to Newsnight, via everything from Radio One Newsbeat to the BBC News website, we hope all areas of BBC News will be represented here. We are committed to being impartial, fair and accurate - these are the qualities which BBC News is rightly expected to uphold. But we also want to be open and accountable, and while this is nothing new (my colleagues and I are quite used to appearing on Newswatch on News 24 and Feedback on Radio 4), we are hoping this blog will be a fresh way of having a direct conversation with you, our audiences.

“But of course the real strength of blogs is that they can be a conversation - which is where you come in. Tell us your views, either by adding your comments at the bottom of individual entries, or by e-mailing us directly. We want to know what you think.”

Text of report by Emmanuel Mulondo entitled “UBC lays off over 200, closes Butebo section ” published by Ugandan newspaper Daily Monitor website on 26 June,The Uganda Broadcasting Corporation [UBC] has laid off over 200 employees leaving only less than 50 employees to run UBC Television and Radio Uganda. The lay off has also seen the closing of some of the sections of Radio Uganda broadcasting in a number of languages.The Butebo section, which has been broadcasting in the eastern languages of Lusoga, Lunyole, Lugwere, Samya, Ku-Sabiny, Ateso and Karamajong has been closed.The laid off employees, however, complain that the exercise was irregular and are seeking audience with either the president or the minister of information, Mr Kirunda Kivejinja.At the time, a number of employees were laid off because they had clocked retirement age. Others were incompetent while some were laid off because of misconduct.“This meant that those of us who remained were qualified. But we have been laid off in a criteria which we think was not based on qualification,” some of the victims told Daily Monitor on Friday.The recent lay-off staff got letters signed by Mr Chris Katuramu, the chairman of the Corporation’s board.“We regret to inform you that the corporation will not require your service with effect from June 15, 2006. Arrange to hand over to your head of department,” read the lay-off letters in part. Some of those laid off included long-serving Chris Kitambo, Fred Musisi, Ismael Kigozi and Charles Byekwaso.(Source: Daily Monitor website, Kampala, in English 26 Jun 06 via BBC Monitoring/Radio Netherlands-Media Network Weblog)

If you’ve ever fancied running your own radio station, legally, the Cayman Islands is the place to be. The population is only 55,000 but already there are thirteen stations on the air, and more are on the way after the lifting of the moratorium on licences by the Information & Communications Technology Authority (ICTA). If all applications are granted, the total number of stations will rise to 19.

Last week, the ICTA decided to grant Hurley’s Entertainment the licence to operate a new FM station, which will be the company’s third and will operate on 103.1 FM. Currently, the company runs Rooster 101.9 FM and Z99 FM.

Two proposed gospel stations have submitted licence applications to the ICTA. There are already two on the air - Heaven 97 and Gospel FM. The ICTA has also confirmed that dms Broadcasting has been successful its bid to take over the licence of Style 96.5 FM, giving that company their fourth station in addition to Hot 104.1 FM, Kiss 106.1 FM and X 107.1 FM.

Earlier this month Hurley’s Entertainment and Paramount Media, the proprietors of Vibe 98.9 and Spin 94.9 FM, objected to the licensing body giving dms Broadcasting the licence. “The authority is fully aware that a significant number of licensees and customers in the Cayman Islands have complained about the blanketing interference caused by the current operation of the dms Broadcasting facilities in George Town,” they wrote to the ICTA.

Monday, June 26, 2006

Looking for something to do in your spare time, and spend it at your receiver? Radio Taiwan International, is looking for radio monitors from their worldwide listening audience. If you are interested, and are committed to sending reception reports on a regular basis, send a postcard, letter or email, that includes the phrase "I want to be a RTI monitor."Send your mail to: P.O. Box 24-38, Taiwan, People's Republic of China. Correspondence must be marked by July 10, or email your reply to: rti@org.tw.Official monitors will receive a certificate and a souvenir as a token of the station's appreciation. Here's a great chance to spend some extra time at your receiver, while being an official monitor.(Source: www.english.rti.org.tw/)

The Middle East remains a hot spot to monitor, as events change on a moments notice. To monitor the latest from Israel, the following current summer schedule, all targeted to various areas, are heard daily throughout North America and South America.

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Bob Padula's 21st edition of the Electronic DX Press Radio Monitoring Asssociation's Internet Audio DX Show is now available for DXers. The EDXP INTER-NET RADIO SERVICE offers you frequently compiled "DX RADIO SHOWS", as audio files, about monitoring of world shortwave broadcasting, compiled by Bob Padula, in Melbourne, Australia

This edition, released June 24, 2006, runs for 15 mins and 26 seconds. Lots of music is included, as usual - we hope you like it - cool stuff! This edition is dedicated to the outstanding success of the Australian Socceroos in the World Cup!

This edition has lots of news and information, including: a.. Extracts from the latest schedules, with many new frequencies given b.. Monitoring Notes from Melbourne c.. Reception notes from EDXP members around the world d.. Monitoring from the Mountains

The shows are available as downloadable audio files, Podcasts, or streaming audio. You may also subscribe (free) to the Shows - full details are at the site. As a matter of interest, there have been over 3300 page-loads of the Shows since inception in February this year. Have fun, get the latest DX news, and enjoy the music!

Saturday, June 24, 2006

If you're still rabid over soccer (even though USA is out), here's a chance to follow tomorrow's coverage from Radio Netherlands. The special transmission is for the Netherland's national team show down with Portugal. According to the schedule from their Program Distribution Department, there will be 13 shortwave transmitters on the air carrying this broadcast, with nine different transmitter sites. Sunday's schedule follows as:

Thursday, June 22, 2006

You may recall from the June 13 post, we had news of big changes planned for the Latvian shortwave relay scene. Since 2002, various independent stations relayed programming via the shortwave facilities via Ulbroka, Latvia, provided by KREBS TV. With price hikes for the 100 kW transmitter air time, rates were no longer affordable for customers using the relay service, and many were forced to cease programming. Yesterday's announcement confirmed that effective June 21, 2006, KREBS TV no longer holds a shortwave broadcasting license in Latvia. In late 2005, the Latvian Broadcasting Council invited tenders for the establishment of a full commercial shortwave station. In January 2006, LBC announced that RNI-All Europe Radio had been granted the commercial shortwave broadcasting license. RNI is now the only officially sanctioned shortwave broadcast radio station in the country, according to their website www.rni.fm/ RNI will commence daily shortwave broadcasts from Latvia on 9290 kHz when installation of all necessary technical equipment is completed. Until their activation, you can listen to real audio at their website.

The following by-frequency listings, are from contributor logging's that were cut from my SWBC Logging column due to space. Thank you to all the contributors who share their monitoring with the magazine. All times UTC, English unless otherwise indicated, // parallel frequency. * sign-on, sign-off*

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

With appeals to urgently abandon any plans to test-launch a long range missle, looks like North Korea moves to the head of the list, of country's to keep an eye on.The United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea have warned Pyongyang against the test, appealing to the North to act with restraint. The following English schedule have been monitored on shortwave, and represent MT's most current listings.

The July issue of Monitoring Times will soon be available to MT Express, magazine subscribers and on the newstands. This issue's QSL Report column, will focus on do's and dont's of Follow-Up Reporting. Just when is enough time to compose a follow up report and letter... and just how important is that QSL Manager ? A QSL from the Principality of Andorra should intice you to become an amateur radio operator, and when was the last time you heard Azores, and much more.July's Broadcast Logs should send you to the nearest receiver, with a bevy of worldwide logs not to be missed.Don't miss this issue of QSL Report or Broadcast Logs, or you'll be sorry you did.

Monday, June 19, 2006

The Somali transitional government today restricted transmission of a radio station and arrested two journalists after it broadcast a report claiming Ethiopian troops had entered the country, officials said. Gunmen loyal to President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed stopped transmission of the Shabelle radio station, the only Mogadishu-based channel that broadcasts in the temporary seat of government in Baidoa, about 250 kilometres (155 miles) from the capital, at about 10:00 am (0700 UTC) on Sunday, they said. The channel continued broadcasting to others parts of Somalia.

Sources said the gunmen carried out the orders given by Agriculture Minister Mohamed Hassan Nur Shatigudud after the radio station aired the claims about Ethiopian troops. “We are demanding that the government allows our transmission in Baidoa and immediately and unconditionally releases our journalists,” said Shabelle Media Network Chairman Abdulmalik Yusuf Muhamoud. “This is gross violation of human rights and it is an exercise that undermines freedom of expression in Somalia,” he added.

Saturday, June 17, 2006

European Music Radio, one of several now legal, former Euro pirate broadcasters from the United Kingdom,will broadcast Sunday on new frequency 6045 kHz. Broadcast time is 1200-1300 UTC. EMR, as with several independent stations, rents airtime on relay transmitters from Italy's IRRS, to a worldwide listening audience.

The good folks at Monitoring Times magazine are offering a special, limited time, discounted rate of US$14.95 on a one year MT Express subscription if you mention the BLOG page (Editor’s Page, Fed Files, Milcom, Monitoring Post, or Shortwave) you are viewing right now.

What is Monitoring Times magazine?MT is a full-spectrum monthly magazine for the radio listener, Monitoring Times covers scanning, shortwave, military and federal comms, and other radio topics from below 500 kHz to 900 MHz and above. Presented in an easy-to-understand style by an experienced writing staff, MT helps you get the most out of your time and your equipment with practical listening tips and frequencies.

What is MT Express?MT Express is the same magazine as our printed version but it is presented in Adobe Acrobat portable document file (pdf) format, including full color photography and active links to URLs and email addresses. It is the fastest and easiest way to get the information and frequencies you need on the radio hobby.

This special offer is for first-time subscribers and renewals. This offer is available for a limited time only (must be used by the close of business July 31, 2006) and can only be used one time per customer.

So if you like what we do here on the MT Blog pages and you want even more, then pick up that telephone and call the MT order desk toll free at 1-800-438-8155 (Mon-Fri 9a-5p EDT) and get US$5.00 off the regular price of MT Express.

And remember you have to mention the BLOG page you are viewing right now in order to get the MT Express Bloggers discount.

Friday, June 16, 2006

From Sligo European Radio's Cris Jensen, comes word of the station'sSunday June 18 broadcast. Programming will be on 9330 kHz from 0700-1000 UTC.

The station broadcast a mix of Golden Oldies and Rock Classics, livelychat and interesting information. All listeners are invited to send reception reports to their e-mail address: sligoeuropeanradio@hotmail.com. Listener's are welcome to include a 2 or 3 minute, good quality MP3 recording as an attachment with the email report.

Correctly verified reports will be sent a Sligo European Radio Daisy the Cow QSL card by email, a station information sheetand details of their future plans. For information on the station,check out their website at: www.geocities.com/sligoeuropeanradio/index.html

Following the formal recognition by the Serb government of the independence of Montenegro, the Belgrade-based international broadcaster has changed its name to “International Radio Serbia”. Both the radio broadcasts and website are now using this name, though some pages of the website haven’t yet been updated. (Source: R. Netherlands/Media Network Weblog)

Thursday, June 15, 2006

The trial of seven directors of the independent Zimbabwean radio station Voice of the People (VOP), which broadcasts into the country via the Radio Netherlands Madgascar relay station, has been delayed again. A key witness for the prosecution failed to turn up at the court in Harare today. Prosecutor Justin Uladi said an expert from the government broadcasting authority who was due to give evidence at the start of the trial was in Switzerland on business.The Lawyer representing the VOP directors, Beatrice Mtetwa, protested at the delay questioning why the witness had travelled overseas when he knew he was expected to attend the trial. “This is unacceptable,” Mtetwa told the court. “Since January the prosecution has been telling us and even yesterday they said they are ready for trial and we keep getting these postponements.”The seven VOP directors were arrested in December and January and briefly detained at Harare’s main police station, accused of possession and operation of transmission equipment without a licence. They are now due to stand trial beginning on September 25.(Source: Independent Online/R. Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

The Zimbabwean opposition station, financed by the Soros Foundation, the USIA Zimbabwe Forum and the Dutch Foundation HIVOS. Radio VOP, began broadcasting in June 2000, 10 days before the Zimbabwean parliamentary elections held on the 24th and 25th of June. The station continues to promote peace in the ongoing troubled political times with hopes of building a democratic society.Relay via: Radio Netherlands, Madagascar relay station, transmitting on 7120, 7190 kHz, 1800-1900 (UTC). Identifications as: "this is Radio Voice of the People" and "this is Radio VOP-Zimbabwe's alternative voice." Correspondence may be directed to:P.O. Box 5750Harare, ZimbabweWeb: www.vopradio.co.zw/ Email Report: voxpozim@yahoo.com.uk

Radio DMR Pridnestrovye, has shifted their frequency to 5965 kHz (ex 5960). The station was logged in Europe, June 13, 1605-1640 UTC. English was noted to 1620, French to 1640 UTC with fair signal quality and interference from China on 5970 kHz. The logging was submitted to Cumbre DX from Mike Letchworth, Garden City, United Kingdom, with special thanks to Herbert Meixner, Austria A-DX via BCDX for the tip off.The station, heard intermittently, broadcast from separatist area known as Trans-Dniester Moldavian Republic, also noted as Dniester Moldavian Republic. Correspondence may be directed to:Radio DMR PridnestrovyeStation broadcast from pro-Russian, separatist known as Trans-Dniester Moldavian Republic, also known as Dniester Moldavian Republic.Rose Luxembourg Street 10Tiraspol 3300Republic of Moldova(WWDX/BC-DX/Top News)

Looks like DXers will have to wait a few months to log stations via the Latvia Relay Service. Latvia has no independent shortwave radio stations, but does relay service for producers and radio stations, provided by KREB TV. However, following a gut-check price hike from the transmitter operator from LVRTC, for transmitter leases in early 2006, the rates for the 100kW air time are no longer affordable for customers using the radio relay service. The relay service on 9290 kHz from Ulbroka, Latvia, reportedly remains inactive and will likely resume transmissions with a new owner, autumn 2006. Current license owner, Raimonds Kreicbergs, minority co-owner of Krebs TV, plans to install his own SW transmitter, possibly a 10kW DRM-ready, at the Ulbroka site during the summer, with plans to resume the relay service for low-budget program producers in autumn. This will substitute the previously used 100kW transmitter, but here's my next question....who outside of Europe is going to hear them? Luckily, the old 100kW transmitter will remain available for clients who are ready to pay the higher prices...but wasn't that the problem that out priced them in the first place? Thanks to our Texas contributor for the update..Here's a partial list of station's that have been logged transmitting via the Latvia relay site, and might be ones that resume programming on 9290 kHz.Europa Radio InternationalHamburger LokalradioKWRN Nordland RadioRadio 73Radio CasablancaRadio CityRadio JoystickRadio MarabuRadio RTN (Radio Tele Niedersachen)Radio Six InternationalRadio Tatras InternationalRadio Waves InternationalRMRC/Rhein Main Radio Club

United Methodist Church building new radio station in LiberiaThe United Methodist Church says it's close to launching a new radio station in Liberia. The Liberia Annual Conference has been dreaming of a radio station for the last two years. Funding for a community radio station in Liberia will make that dream come true soon. Contributors to the radio station include the Illinois Great Rivers Annual (regional) Conference, Memorial United Methodist Church in White Plains, NY, and Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, said Elizabeth Hunter, executive director of the United Methodist Communications Foundation.

"Communication needs have been hampered by war," said the Rev Konah Parker, communications director for the Liberia Conference. "For a long time, Liberia lost contact with the outside world." Communication infrastructure in Liberia was severely damaged by the 14 year civil war that ended in 2003. The Liberia Broadcasting System, ELWA and all other radio stations were looted and destroyed during the war. He noted however that cell phone companies and radio stations are starting to come back. "Liberia needs nationwide radio coverage," he said. "Most of the stations do not cover Liberia’s 43,000 square miles."

Construction of the station has started. Isaiah Mbuga, a radio expert from Uganda, was invited to assess and advice the conference on establishing their own station. Mbuga emphasized the need to do research on audience needs and trends and decide exactly what the church wants to accomplish with a radio station.

"The transmitter you have is very small, but it can do well," he said. "Use what you have, use high gain antenna, get a receiver and add another transmitter — (signals) will go up to the end of the country."

Friday, June 09, 2006

New plan for Finnish broadcaster YLE: shortwave to be droppedAt its meeting on 6th June 2006, the Administrative Council of Finnish public broadcaster YLE decided to adjust the company's channel structure and profiles and new services. This move relates to the ongoing YLE strategy reform, founded on a customer- and content-based operating model. YLE's strategic objectives were approved by the company's Administrative Council already earlier in the spring

Services to be axed

The following existing channels will be phased out as a consequence of the changes in channel output:1. The pilot digital radio service YleQ will be closed down at the latest on 31st December 2006. 2. The digital television channel YLE24, comprising mainly news and currentaffairs programmes, will be shut down on 31st May 2007. Capacity released from the channel in digital television's public service multiplex will be used for transmitting the new YLE Extra channel. 3. YLE will focus in future on serving Finns abroad through satellite, mobile and Internet distribution. The company will therefore be discontinuing mediumwave and shortwave broadcasts from Pori in 2007. However, mediumwave broadcasts will still continue on the Santahamina (Helsinki) transmitters in the Baltic Sea area.(Source: YLE via EBU/R. Netherlands)

Radio Japan's popular World Interactive program, will air from June 10-12. The 50 minute program airs eight times, scheduled for every second weekend of the month.This month's 50-minute program will focus on Ecuador's HCJB and Radio St. Helena Day Revival, scheduled for the first weekend in November. News of this project will include an interview with Mr. Robert Kipp. For more information on the St. Helena revival project, consult www.dswci.orgTo correspond with the show via email, consult their new address at: interactive@nhk.jpTo hear a partial broadcast time for Radio Japan's English service try:0100-0200 (UTC) 5960, 11720, 11935, 15325,17685, 17810, 17825, 17845 kHzA complete Radio Japan English schedule is available in Monitoring Times magazine Shortwave Guide(DX Window)

In case you've noticed a difference in broadcast hours from three Central American countries, here's an update. Honduras has joined Guatemala and Nicaragua in adjusting their time.Effective May 2, the government of Honduras approved a decree by which the country's official time to move forward by 60 minutes, implementing a summer time or daylight time regime, as in other countries. This means the day in Honduras begins an hour early. The local time is now adjusted to UTC-5, from previously as UTC-6.The Honduran government has expressed this change will be "indefinitely", however DXers predict this adjustment will likely be until September 30.This might just improve your chances of hearing new stations from Central America.

From Radio Polonia comes word of their latest competition for hobbyist.Since May 1, 2006, Radio Polonia's partner network World Radio Network, has launched a weekly pilot podast service of selected Radio Polonia programs in English.Radio Polonia broadcast in seven languages, including Polish, and it'spossible to win a bagful of their FM pocket radios. By clicking ontheir listen icon, and answer the statements of whichprogram is in Polish ? Is it A, B or C ?If you know the answer or can make an educated guess,email your reply to: english.section@radio.com.plIn case you listen to their program via a podcast, let them know that too!Prizes are on a first come basis.English programming broadcast from: 1200-1259 (UTC) on 9525 and 11850 kHz and 1700-1759 (UTC) on 7220 and 7265 kHzGood luck !(Radio Polonia)

The English Service of Voice of Turkey, has announced an essay contest, open to their listening audience. This year's essay topic is: Can Religions Play a Guiding and Constructive Role in Dialogue Between Civilizations.Contestants should limit their essay to three pages, and the deadline is June 15. Email your entry to: englishdesk@trt.net.tr or address your entry to:Voice of TurkeyTRT External Services Dept.P.K. 333Yenişehir06443 Ankara, TurkeyThe Voice of Turkey in English, may be heard daily on the following schedule: All times UTC, frequencies kHzTargeted areas: va - various regions: eu - Europe: as - Asia0300-0350 5975va 7270va1230-1300 15450eu 15535va1300-1320 15420eu 15535va1830-1900 9785eu1900-2000 9785eu2030-2100 7170as2100-2120 7170as2200-2300 9830euTo follow more from the Voice of Turkey refer to website: www.trt.net/tr(HCDX/VOT English Service)

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

German radio amateurs plan to celebrate the 2006 Football World Cup being held in their country by putting on a number of special event stations.From now until 16 July, no less than 26 special district stations (with callsigns in the DQ2006A to DQ2006Z range) will be on the air. There will also be 12 special stadium stations with callsigns DR2006B, DR2006C, etc. The special callsign WFC06 will also be in operation throughout the World Cup.Amateurs or short wave listeners who log these special event stations could be eligible for a series of awards sponsored by the Deutsche Amateur Radio Club.There will be three awards available: bronze, silver and gold. To achieve the bronze award, an amateur must log four stadium special event stations, six district stations and 25 DL stations. The silver award requires the operator to log 10 stadium stations, 20 district stations and 100 DL stations. For the gold award, an amateur or short wave listener must log 12 stadium stations, 24 district stations and 200 DL stations.All the logs must take place between 1 May and 31 July. There are no band limitations. Participants can use any mode of operation except packet radio or Echo Link.For further information about the awards, contact Otto Cecetka at e-mail address DK6CQ@darc.deSouthgate Amateur Radio Club www.southgatearc.org/news/june2006/world_cup_stations.htm

Entravision Communications Corporation has announced that it will broadcast World Cup soccer games for the very first time on an FM radio frequency in Los Angeles, California, the largest Hispanic market in the US, on its radio station KLYY OYE! 97.5 FM.The company also said that it will air World Cup games on its radio stations KQRT La Tricolor 105.1 FM serving Las Vegas, Nevada, KZMP La Tricolor 104.9 FM serving Dallas, Texas and KSVE ESPN Deportes 1150 AM serving El Paso, Texas. Coverage begins airing June 9 and will continue through the final game on July 9.Broadcasting rights were made available through Futbol de Primera on an exclusive basis in each market. Terms of the broadcastings rights were not disclosed.Entravision Communications Corporation is a diversified Spanish-language media company utilizing a combination of television, radio and outdoor operations to reach approximately 75% of Hispanic consumers across the United States, as well as the border markets of Mexico.Entravision owns and operates one of the nation's largest groups of primarily Spanish-language radio stations, consisting of 52 owned and operated radio stations in 20 US markets.Southgate Amateur Radio Club www.southgatearc.org/news/june2006/world_cup_la_radio.htm

Monday, June 05, 2006

Here’s another source you can add to your listening post from The British DX Club. The near and Middle East, continues to be an area to watch and monitor. BDXC, at their website link to Articles Index, provides free for download, a comprehensive guide to shortwave stations in the near and Middle East. In country order, and PDF format, the guide provides station information, programming schedules and transmitter site listings. Bravo to BDXC for this guide to keep listener’s up to date on the hot spots from the Middle East. www.bdxc.org.uk/

Saturday, June 03, 2006

MV (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) Baltic Radio, another European that broadcast once a month, is scheduled to be on the air Sunday June 4, on 6045 kHz, 1200-1300 UTC. The station formerly known as Stör-Sender, transmits via T-Systems International, Jülich, GermanyGerman or English reports with one IRC or $ 1.00 are confirmed via:R&R MedienserviceRoland RohdeSeestrasse 17D-19089 Göhren, GermanyWeb: www.mvbalticradio.de/

Friday, June 02, 2006

If it's the first Saturday of the month, it must be time for Scandinavian Weekend Radio. SWR broadcast for 24 hours once a month, and is Scandinavia's first private shortwave station. Studios and transmitters are located in Virrat, western Finland.This month they plan to broadcast June 2-3 on the following schedules:

Reception reports with return postage (2 IRC's, $2.00 US or 2 Euros) should be sent to:SWR ReportsP.O. Box 99FI-34801 Virrat, FinlandThe station does not send out their printed QSL cards without return postage. For more information about the station and programming, check out their website at: www.swradio.net/index2.htmGood luck this weekend!!

The latest edition of the Voice of America shortwave Program Guide is available on line. The new edition, includes links for English to Africa, Bringing the World to China, VOA’s new Studio Tour information, VOA News.Com Goes in Depth and Amerika Icmali, with a focus on Creating a Connection to Azerbaijan.There’s plenty for the listener on the website. A Program Guide for your favorite sections is available in PDF format. Links include Africa, East Asia, English, Music Mix, Eurasia, Latin America, Near East and Central Asia and West and South Asia.The VOA Program Guide is published twice a year, in November and May to cover the seasonal frequency changes. Check out the new programming guide for the latest from Voice of America. at www.voanews.com

VT Communications continues to push the boundaries of digital radio broadcasting by launching its dual-channel Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) transmission service from Crystal Palace in South East London into Greater London. Partnering with Deutsche Welle and UBC Classic Gold VT Communications can now provide two discrete broadcast services over a single 20KHz transmission band centred at 25.7 MHz. This is the first time the double channel mode of DRM has been used for extensive field trials and further enhances VT Communications digital offering. The 26 MHz band is designated as an international broadcast band, but is under used and could also be used to provide local "FM" type coverage. Demand for both FM (88-108 MHz) and DAB (band III) spectrum in the UK is very high, and DRM could offer broadcasters access to additional spectrum in addition revitalising existing MF and LF frequencies with enhanced audio quality. The ability of the 26 MHz band to provide local and digital radio coverage adds to VT Communications existing regional and international DRM capability. In 1999 VT Communications started regular "ITU compliant" DRM tests from the Rampisham transmitter site in Dorset UK, to Europe. In 2003 a new high power MF transmitter was added to the portfolio, which now transmits the BBC World Service in digital quality to the Benelux countries. In March 2006, VT Communications announced a significant investment in a new high power HF transmitter at its Woofferton (Shropshire, UK) transmitter site. This will be operational by mid 2006. VT Communications are also investing in a new broadcast centre designed to distribute audio in a totally digital format from studio to listener, including distribution of DRM. This will eliminate audio degradation caused by repeated conversion between analogue and digital, a surprisingly common problem with digital transmissions. The broadcast centre will also be able to format & distribute audio via a number of different routes, including archiving, podcasting, content repurposing and audio on demand. The 26 MHz service in London will showcase the broadcast centre technology, as data channels, Electronic programme guides (EPG) and a 3rd audio service are all scheduled for test during the course of 2006. "VT Communications ongoing investment in DRM 26MHz and HF capability is part of our new Global Media Network" says Bryan Coombes, General Manager Broadcast at VT Communications. "This underlines our commitment to provide a digital service to satisfy all of our customers' broadcasting requirements, from local through to truly international coverage". (Md Azizul Alam Al-Amin 6/1/06)

Thursday, June 01, 2006

There’s still time to take advantage of Radio Prague’s series of eight QSL cards, on the theme of Czech Scientist and Inventors. For a sneak peak of the colorful series go to the QSL Cards 2006 link at ww.radio.cz/en/Correspondence or reception reports should be sent to: Vinohradská 12, 12099 Prague 2, Czech Republic.

The Radio Netherlands relay station in Bonaire, is planning to replace their 40 year old transmitters.The Board of Governor's of Radio Netherlands recently approved an investment of some four million Euros to the station, which delivers shortwave broadcast to the Americas, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. At the end of April, the Minister of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands Antilles, Burney El Hage, laid the first stone for the rebuilding project, scheduled for completion in about 18 months. The refurbishing includes the replacement of the old Phillips transmitter with two new AM/DRM senders. The new transmitters will be ready for the age of digital shortwave, and more energy-efficient when used in the analogue mode. The identity of the company for the project will be released as the project proceeds. In recent years, budget cuts have reduced the amount of shortwave airtime needed by Radio Netherlands, however this has made it possible for other international broadcasters the opportunity to transmit their programming into the Americas from Adventist World Radio, China Radio International, Deutsche Welle and Radio Japan. As some broadcasters reduce their shortwave airtime, Radio Netherlands Bonaire relay station will once again become a state-of-the-art international shortwave broadcasting facility.(DX Window 5/31)